The vaginal speculum was introduced to gynaecology in 1801 by Joseph Claude Recamier. His fist vaginal speculum was a slender tin tube five inches long he used to introduce treatment for cervical ulcers. Later he widened this tin conical tube to inspect the cervix. Some doctors considered the speculum essential for an adequate pelvic examination, while others regarded it as unnecessary and objectionable. " The use of the speculum was, for respectable women, a serious sacrifice of their delicacy." The vaginal speculum underwent numerous modifications since Recamier's time. [http://www.fcgapultoscollection.com/amisc.html]